Wonder lost: The end of the line for Disney cruises in Australia
There had been recent speculation that Disney Wonder would not return to its Australian base after its third season, ending in February 2026.
In a statement on Monday, the company says: 'While the Disney Wonder will not return to Australia and New Zealand for the 2026-2027 season, Disney Cruise Line is always looking at destinations to explore with our guests and sailings from Australia and New Zealand remain on our list of future considerations.'
Disney did not say what the reasons were behind the decision, other than it was repositioning the ship 'to another part of the world after its upcoming 2025-2026 season in Australia and New Zealand'.
It had recently brought in a new round of heavily discounted fares of 50 per cent for third and fourth passengers on new and existing bookings for its upcoming local season, promising more whimsical family entertainment with character appearances on board.
Disney is the third cruise line to pull out of Australian ports, after Cunard at the end of last season and Virgin Voyages a year earlier.
Costs and regulation for cruise lines operating from Australia have been a major issue in recent years, sparking efforts by the industry's peak body CLIA to relieve pressure points for the $8.4 billion industry.
Disney goes on to say of its Asia-Pacific strategy: 'The Disney Adventure's maiden sailing from Singapore in December 2025 marks the start of a magical new chapter for Disney Cruise Line.'
The maiden voyage of Disney Adventure on December 15, 2025, marks the line's first foray into Asia. It will be the line's, and indeed one of the world's biggest ships at 208,000GT and passenger capacity of about 6700, plus crew.
The ship will sail primarily three to four-night voyages and a limited number of five-night cruises from Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore, making it an accessible option for West Australian travellers. Singapore remains a top tourism destination for West Australians.
Adventure will sail from Singapore for at least five years as part of a collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board.
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